Overview
The Nikon Coolpix L15 is an 8 megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical zoom lens. This is one of the simplest cameras I have tested for some time. This ease of use is one of the main selling points of the camera. Although the Coolpix L15 is small and compact it is on the large side to fit into a pocket. It is available in black and silver. This is also one of the few more basic cameras to offer image stabilisation.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
8
3x
2.8 inches
91 x 61 x 29.5mm
125g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
15cm
No
No
AA
SD/SDHC
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
Well I am off to a poor start. I cannot tell if the problems are caused by the glare of the sun or the Coolpix L15 simply has a problem with brighter colours, but this photo is bad news. Almost all the detail on the boats and under the roof of the building has been lost. Focusing in other areas is only average.
In this photo the opposite problem arises to the first photo. The photo is darker than I would like to see. This is especially true in the corners of the shot. Focusing is only average again.
This is a better effort, but lighter areas again cause a problem for the Coolpix L15.
Portraits
Moving indoors and I am still not happy. The flash does not provide a great deal of brightness and the photo is darker than I would like to see.
Without the flash on, the Coolpix L15 increases the ISO setting. This leads to higher noise levels in the photo and a loss of definition. The photo therefore takes on a fuzzy effect.
Macro and Colours
This is one of the poorest macro shots I have taken in a long time. The Coolpix L15 is unable to focus from closer than 15cm. This means my macro test shot has been heavily cropped. Even so I struggled to get the camera to focus properly.
Ah, something I am happy with! The colours have a natural feel to them and are about right in terms of power.
Summary
The Nikon Coolpix L15 has been a big disappointment to me. The picture quality is just not what I would expect from a Nikon digital camera.
Style
In terms of design the Coolpix L15 is a pleasant looking compact camera. It has a raised area on the front to help you get a good grip when taking a photo. It is available in black and silver.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
0.47 seconds
24.78 seconds
1.65 seconds
35.48 seconds
Ease of Use
One of the reasons it is so easy to use is because of the relatively few features the camera has. The layout is well thought though and the menus are easy to read.
Points I Like
Ease of use
Where it Could Improve
Picture quality - shutter lag
Verdict
The Nikon Coolpix L15 has proved to be a big disappointment to me. I expect more from Nikon, but in terms of picture quality and also shutter lag this camera has not performed very well.
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
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Related Pages
Nikon Coolpix L15 Review Nikon Coolpix L15 Specification Nikon Coolpix L15 Sample Images Nikon Coolpix L15 Features
Review Date
December 2007
